The Difficult Neonatal Airway

This chapter discusses the recognition and management of the neonatal difficult airway. It covers the definitions of difficult mask ventilation and difficult intubation. It explores the implications of congenital malformations from nasopharynx to trachea, including micrognathia, macroglossia, and tracheal stenosis, on airway management in neonates. It also covers the common syndromes associated with difficult airway management including Pierre Robin sequence, Treacher Collins, Stickler, Goldenhar, Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, CHARGE syndrome, Beckwith–Wiedemann, Klippel–Feil, and Schwartz–Jampel. It delves into management, timing, location, use of supplemental oxygen and muscle relaxants, and advanced airway techniques including video laryngoscopy, fiberoptic intubation, surgical airway, ECMO, and EXIT procedures. The chapter emphasizes a team approach and the early involvement of airway experts.